The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a quarterback lead the league in passing yards. They have had a wide receiver lead the league in receptions and receiving yards. They have even had a player lead the league in sacks. But one single-season mark has eluded Pittsburgh. The rushing title.
But this could change in 2019 as we are eyeing running back James Conner grabbing the rushing title. Here’s why.
Last season, Conner came into the year with a gameplan geared for Le’Veon Bell. As long as he dangled it out there he might show up, the coaches weren’t going to scheme for Conner’s style.
Additionally, of Conner’s 13 games played, there were really only five games when Conner was featured in the offense. Despite being incredibly productive whenever he touched the football, the coaching staff seemed to lose confidence in Conner for long stretches of the season.
If we look at Conner’s five best games of 2018, he averaged 121.8 yards per game. No one is saying Conner is going to rush for 1,900 yards in 2019. But he doesn’t have to. Dallas Cowboys running back Zeke Elliott won the title last season only rushing for 1,434 yards.
With Antonio Brown gone, the Steelers have to run the ball with more conviction. And until I see it happen, I don’t believe for one second head coach Mike Tomlin is going to split the workload between his three running backs. If the run game is working, Conner will get the touches.
I want to hear from all of you. Can Conner be the first running back in franchise history to lead the league in rushing?
